H&C

A ROLLERCOASTER WEEK

Freddie in the field for the first time in 18 months

"Home from the National Championships and what a week it was! Something of a rollercoaster but the highs were in all the right places!

The plan was to travel down to Gloucester last Monday to see my trainer Carl Hester and spend a few days there training. We arrived, but our seven hour journey became 11 and a half hours and we arrived on the back of a low-loader truck. A pipe to the radiator had burst at the top of the M5 and we had to be rescued.

Freddie did not suffer from the longer journey and after a good night's sleep had a fabulous lesson with Carl on the Tuesday. It was really good to watch Carl and Charlotte ride and then see many of the other National bound combinations come in and get for their last minute preparations from Carl.

In the next day's lesson I had to ride through the test...a good thing as I forgot where I was going twice! We worked on Freddie's balance and ability to take weight on his quarters. We practised the bits of the test where the marks are easily thrown away..the canter-halt entry, the walk pirouettes and the simple changes. At this level everyone is so close that getting it as mistake free as possible really does matter.

The lorry was not ready when we had to leave for Stoneleigh so I luckily was able to hitch a lift. Nicola Cooper, who had just finished her lesson with Carl, offered to take us. Freddie travelled in luxury...a brand new lorry, he thought his dreams had come true.

We arrived safely, found his stable and then I took Freddie out for the official 'arena walk'. I'm sure he thought the flags and flowers were all out especially for him!

So to the next problem..it was 6pm and Mum, Rosie (our dog) and I had to find somewhere to sleep. There had been plenty of offers from fellow competitors but we did not want to impose on anyone and I am certainly better in my own company the night before. We found the most gorgeous place, though it was totally wasted on our short stay, especially as we walked in trailing shavings behind us!

Then to the competition day...we were second last to go so I had to occupy both of us for the morning. Freddie was easily dealt with; Liz Briscoe (an equine bodyworker based in Scotland) gave him a pre-competition massage. He loved it and I'm sure benefited from it. Liz was passing on her way down to see clients in Surrey and popped in to watch him perform on her way. I watched some of the earlier tests from the class and then it was time to plait, tack-up and get myself ready.

We warm-up for about 40 minutes, trying to get Freddie spot on for going in. Carl helped from on board Leibling, giving quick pointers and nods when needed. 12.51pm and it was time to drop the whip and head in. Freddie's co-owner Lady Hope was writing for the judge at H so I did see a worried smile as I went past that car. It was all over by 1pm and I had a huge smile on my face. Freddie had been fabulous, the only thing that could have made it better was another few months training, but we had given it our all. He gained 71.73%, and came second in the Medium Open Championship and got a "that was lovely" from Carl. What more could you want?

The lorry was fixed and we had our bed back on Thursday evening and we headed home on Saturday after having the Friday to enjoy the Nationals. The journey was good, though I did have my head in a bucket for a large part because I had caught a stomach bug. Thank goodness it had not happened a few days earlier!

Sunday morning and everyone was rested from a night in their own bed. We decided to give Freddie the best present we could - he was turned out in the field for the first time since his injury, the first time in 18 months. It was scary to do but so lovely to see him happy and rolling in the field!

I want to say a huge thankyou to my sponsors TopSpec and ForestFarmacy in keeping Freddie well throughout his time off and during competitions."

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